Terms Flashcards
L. Appuleius Saturninus
Popularist. Tribune in 103 and 100 BC. Promoted Marian interests. Employed mob (popular) violence in moments of advantage to him.
Cn. Octavius
Consul 87 BC, alongside Lucius Cornelius Cinna. Conservative. Uncle was M. Octavius, who opposed Tiberius Gracchus. Praetor 90 BC (failed to become aedile). Took oath with Cinna (popularist) to uphold changes made by Sulla and not to strip him of his command. Clashed with Cinna’s politics. Political violence among supporters.
L. Cornelius Merula
Consul 87 BC. Flamen dialis (priest of Jupiter) at the same time.
Negotiated the return of Cinna and Marius. Abdicated consulship.
False charges were made against him in the Marian violence. Committed suicide; took his flamen dialis cap off before his death.
Q. Sertorius
Roman general and statesman. Led a rebellion against the Roman Senate in the Iberian peninsula. Associated with the populist faction of Cinna and Marius. During the civil war of 83–81 BC, Sertorius was sent to recover the Iberian Peninsula; faction was defeated. Proscribed by Sulla. Defeated various commanders via guerilla warfare tactics. Pompey was granted special provincia to help Metellus against him in Spain. Murdered in 73 BC.
L. Valerius Flaccus (cos. 100)
Consul 100. Princeps senatus during the civil wars (80s BC). Instead of appointing suffect consuls, he sponsored the lex Valeria which created Sulla’s dictatorship. Interrex in 82 BC.
L. Valerius Flaccus (86)
Cousin of the consul of 100 BC.
Consul 86 BC when Marius died. Governor of Asia and commander against Mithridates (First Mithridatic War). Sent to apprehend Sulla and deal with Mithridates. Killed in a mutiny by C. Flavius Fimbria.
C. Flavius Fimbria
Roman general. Incited a mutiny and killed L. Valerius Flaccus. Effectively led army against Mithridates. Reclaimed a significant portion of the province of Asia. Employed brutal tactics. Following a loss of support and desertion of his troops to Sulla, he committed suicide.
L. Cornelius Cinna
First consulship 87 BC (with Cn. Octavius). Leader in the Marian party, opposed Sulla. Served in the Social War (90-88). In control after Marius’ death. His actions set the stage for further conflicts, particularly during the Sullan-Marian power struggles. Killed in a mutiny. His daughter was married to Caesar.
Mithridates VI Eupator
King of Pontus. He fought three wars, the Mithridatic Wars, against Rome: in 89–85, 83–82, and 74–63. Annexation of Cappadocia and Bithynia, Asia Minor. Took Athens in 86. Defeated in the Third Mithridatic War.
L. Licinius Lucullus
Roman politician and general. He played a significant role in the Third Mithridatic War. His military successes included the Siege of Cyzicus (73–72 BCE) and the Battle of Tigranocerta (69 BCE), where he defeated the Armenian king Tigranes II. But the enemy collected fresh forces, and the king of Parthia threatened intervention. An invasion of the Armenian highlands had to be abandoned when the army mutinied. His brother‐in‐law Clodius Pulcher had incited rebellion, and in Rome public opinion was turned against him, chiefly by those who had incurred losses in his organization of Asia. His command was removed by stages (68–67); the army, hearing this, deserted him; and in the end he was superseded by Pompey under the law of Manilius.
Like Hortalus, he was a Piscinarius, someone associated with or involved in activities related to fish or fisheries.
Archelaus
Served as a general in the army of Mithridates VI in the First Mithridatic War. Archelaus commanded Mithridates’ armies in several key battles during the early stages of the conflict. One notable engagement was the Battle of Chaeronea in 86 BCE, where Archelaus led Mithridates’ forces against the Roman general Lucius Cornelius Sulla. Despite initial successes, Mithridates’ forces were eventually defeated by Sulla. Archelaus played a crucial role in these military campaigns, showcasing his tactical prowess.
the treaty of Dardanus
Treaty between Rome and Pontus signed between Lucius Cornelius Sulla of Rome and King Mithridates VI of Pontus. It ended the First Mithridatic War.
L. Licinius Murena
Consul 62 BC, with the help of Cicero, to thwart Catiline’s candidacy. Before officially assuming office, Murena faced accusations of electoral bribery. The charges were brought against him by Servius Sulpicius Rufus. Defended by Cicero in Pro Murena. Assumed office. Legate in the Third Mithridatic War, a governor (propraetor) of Gallia Transalpina from 64 to 63 BC.
M. Licinius Crassus
Roman general, politician, and one of the wealthiest individuals in Roman history. First rose to prominence as a military commander during the Roman conquest of Spartacus’s slave revolt (73–71 BCE). One of the richest men in Rome, Crassus amassed his fortune through shrewd business ventures, including real estate and slave ownership. Part of the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Caesar. Suffered a disastrous defeat against the Parthians at the Battle of Carrhae, leading to his death (53 BC).
Q. Caecilius Metellus ‘Pius’
Roman statesman and military commander known for his loyalty, piety, and service to the Roman Republic. As praetor (89 or 88 bc) he enrolled enfranchised Italians, including his friend Archias. Defeated Poppadeius in the Social War. Unable to defend Rome against Cinna, he went into exile in Africa (87), retaining his imperium. After Cinna’s death he collected a private army, was defeated by the governor, then joined Sulla, thus bringing him the formal approval of the optimates, and conquered most of northern Italy for him. Made pontifex maximus and Sulla’s colleague as consul 80, he was next sent to fight against Sertorius in Further Spain. Joined by Pompey in Hither Spain, co-operated with Pompey and won some victories in 76–75. He acquired many clients, some of whom he enfranchised, but became known for excessive luxury. Returning in 71, he (unlike Pompey) dismissed his army, triumphed, and lived in retirement until c.63
C. Marius the Younger
Son of Marius. Consul in 82 BC alongside Papirius Carbo. Married to a daughter of Lucius Licinius Crassus.
the battle of Colline gate
82 BCE. Decisive battle in the civil war between Sulla and the Marians, Samnites and Lucanians. Sulla won the battle on the north-east of Rome, near the Colline Gate, and secured control of Italy. Sulla ordered the execution of the Marian leaders and Samnites.
proscription
Sulla’s means of eliminating his enemies (supporters of Marius and Cinna). Published a list of names of senators and equites, who had their property seized.
lex Valeria
82 BCE. Established the dictatorship of Sulla. Ratified Sulla’s previously illegal actions (especially his proscriptions) and facilitated Sulla’s goal of effecting large scale reforms to the Roman Republic by granting him constituent legislative power.
Spartacus
Died 71 BC. Thracian gladiator in Rome and one of the leaders of the Third Servile War (73-71 BC). His soldiers were defeated by Crassus with Pompey’s aid. Died in battle.
Q. Lutatius Catulus (the Younger)
Consul in 78 BC. Defended the capital in 77 BC against Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (father of the triumvir). He was entrusted with the rebuilding of the Capitoline temple and the Tabularium. Opposed the lex Gabinia and the lex Manilia. In 63 he was ignominiously defeated by Caesar in an election for the chief pontificate. He tried to throw suspicion on Caesar as involved in the conspiracy of Catiline but failed, and his auctoritas now declined.
M. Tullius Cicero
Philosopher, orator, and statesman. Played a crucial role in exposing and suppressing the Catilinarian Conspiracy. renowned for his exceptional oratorical skills. His eloquence and ability to persuade audiences made him one of the greatest speakers in Roman history. His speeches, including his famous “Philippics” against Mark Antony, are considered masterpieces of classical Latin rhetoric. Declared an enemy of the state in 43 BC and killed.
Q. Hortensius Hortalus
Orator, lawyer, and statesman. Belonged to the Optimates. Consul in 69 BC alongside Quintus Caecilius Metellus Creticus. Defeated by Cicero in the Verres case. Like his friend Licinius Lucullus, he gradually withdrew from politics into cultivated luxury. Cicero referred to him as Piscinarius.
C. Verres
Quaestor 84 BC. Legate of Dolabella in Cilicia, where he helped him plunder his province and Asia, but on their return helped to secure his conviction. As urban praetor (74), he is charged by Cicero with having flagrantly sold justice. Was assigned Sicily as proconsul (73-71). Verres engaged in widespread extortion and corruption during his tenure in Sicily. He imposed heavy taxes, seized valuable artworks and treasures, and exploited the local population for his financial benefit. faced legal charges for his misconduct as governor, and Cicero was hired to prosecute him. Cicero delivered a series of speeches known as the “Verrine Orations” during the trial. Cicero was victorious.
C. Julius Caesar
Roman general and statesman. He established the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus (60), and became consul in 59, obtaining command of the provinces of Illyricum, Cisalpine Gaul, and Transalpine Gaul. Between 58 and 51 he fought the Gallic Wars, subjugating Transalpine Gaul and defeating Vercingetorix, invading Britain (55–54). Resentment at this on the part of Pompey and other powerful Romans led to civil war; in 49 bc Caesar crossed the Rubicon into Italy, and next year Pompey was defeated at Pharsalia in Thessaly. Made dictator. ostility to Caesar’s autocracy culminated in his murder on the Ides (15th) of March in a conspiracy led by Brutus and Cassius.
A. Gabinius
Brought forward the lex Gabinia in 67 BCE.
leges Gabiniae (there are two)
The first: 139 BCE. Introduces the secret ballot to all popular assemblies for the election of magistrates.
The second: 67 BCE. Gives imperium for three years against pirates to Pompey (his power equal to that of proconsuls). Denounced by the Senate.
lex Manilia
66 BC, proposed by G. Manilius. Set aside the assignments of Marcius and Acilius and extends Pompey’s provincia (now Cilicia, Bithynia, and Pontus). Intended to finish the war with Mithridates. Pompey is also allowed to make peace, war, and alliances.
Third Mithridatic War
73-63 BC. The last and longest of the Mithridatic Wars. Lucius Licinius Lucullus led the initial phase of the war. Lucullus achieved significant successes against Mithridates’ forces in Asia Minor, culminating in the capture of the Pontic capital, Sinope, in 70 BCE. Mithridates sought refuge in the court of Tigranes the Great, the King of Armenia. Senate recalled Lucullus in 66 BCE and appointed Pompey in his place. Pompey quickly achieved success, defeating Mithridates’ forces and capturing the Pontic king’s stronghold in the Kingdom of Pontus. The Third Mithridatic War marked the end of Mithridates VI’s ambitions to challenge Roman power in the East and solidified Pompey’s reputation as a successful military commander.
Cn. Pompeius (later ‘Magnus’)
Military and political leader of the late Roman Republic (106–48 BCE). First gained recognition for successes in the Social War and the campaigns against the remnants of the followers of the rebel leader Spartacus. Part of the first triumvirate. Pompey’s military prowess was evident in his campaigns against pirates in the Mediterranean and his victories in the East, including the conquest of the Kingdom of Pontus and the defeat of Mithridates VI. Despite his earlier alliance with Caesar, political tensions led to the breakdown of their relationship. The Senate, fearing the concentration of power in the hands of one individual, ordered Pompey to disband his armies. Ignoring this order, Pompey fled to Greece and engaged in a civil war against Caesar. In 48 BCE, Pompey suffered a decisive defeat at the Battle of Pharsalus. Assassinated after fleeing to Egypt.
L. Sergius Catilina
Patrician, but not a recently distinguished one. In 63 BCE, Catiline made an unsuccessful bid for the consulship but lost to Cicero. Resorted to conspiratorial actions. In what became known as the Catilinarian Conspiracy, he plotted to overthrow the Roman Republic through a violent uprising, with support from disaffected nobles, debtors, and discontented allies. Cicero, serving as consul at the time, uncovered the conspiracy and delivered a series of famous speeches known as the “Catilinarian Orations” to denounce Catiline and protect the state. The Senate declared Catiline a public enemy, and he perished in battle in 62 BCE, bringing an end to the conspiracy.
the ‘Catilinarian Conspiracy’
A plot led by Lucius Sergius Catilina to overthrow the Roman Republic. Fueled by political discontent, economic grievances, and personal ambition. Catiline’s conspiracy targeted the social and political elite, intending to eliminate perceived adversaries and seize control of Rome. The conspiracy gained momentum as disenfranchised nobles, debtors, and individuals seeking political change joined Catiline’s cause. Marcus Tullius Cicero, serving as consul at the time, uncovered the plot and delivered a series of four powerful speeches known as the “Catilinarian Orations”. Catiline fled Rome. The Senate declared Catiline and his followers public enemies, leading to a series of confrontations between the conspirators and Roman forces. In 62 BCE, Catiline and a significant portion of his forces were defeated and killed in the Battle of Pistoria. The Catilinarian Conspiracy exposed deep-seated social and economic issues within the Roman Republic and highlighted the vulnerabilities of the political system.
‘the first triumvirate’
A political alliance made up of Pompey, Caesar, Crassus. Each member brought unique strengths to the triumvirate, allowing them to mutually advance their political ambitions (Caesar: a charismatic military leader, sought political support and the opportunity to attain consulship; Pompey: a renowned military commander, sought ratification of his military campaigns in the East and political influence; Crassus: one of the wealthiest men in Rome, aimed to enhance his political standing and financial interests). The alliance was informal and based on mutual interests rather than any legal framework. Tensions arose b/c of personal rivalries and the Senate’s growing concern over the concentration of power. Crassus’s death in 53 BCE and the subsequent breakdown of the triumvirate’s unity set the stage for the conflicts that would lead to the fall of the Roman Republic, culminating in the civil wars between Caesar and Pompey.
Julia
Caesar’s daughter and wife of Pompey. After her death, the alliance between Caesar and Pompey began to disintegrate.
M. Calpurnius Bibulus
c. 102–48 BCE; was a Roman politician and statesman. Shared consulship in 59 BC with Julius Caesar. A staunch conservative and opponent of the First Triumvirate, sought to obstruct their legislative agenda, particularly land distribution and other populist measures.
M. Porcius Cato ‘the Younger’
Born c. 95 BC. A stoic statesman, orator, and political opponent of Julius Caesar during the late Roman Republic. Born into the distinguished Porcia gens, Cato exemplified the virtues of traditional Roman Republicanism and conservative principles. Held various offices, including quaestor, aedile, and praetor. Died by suicide in 46 BC after the defeat of Republican forces at the Battle of Thapsus.
lex Julia agraria + lex Campana
Lex Julia agraria: 59 BC. he law aimed to address the issue of land distribution and landlessness in Rome. It called for the distribution of public land to the landless urban poor and war veterans. This land was often acquired through conquest or confiscated from those who had violated the maximum limit on land ownership. This is the law that Caesar started his consulship with.
Lex campania: 59 BC. Added public lands in Campania for distribution.
leges Vatiniae (three of them)
Lex Vatinia de provincia Caesaris (de imperio caesaris), 59 BC: Gave Julius Caesar governorship of Cisalpine Gaul and of Illyricum for five years.
Lex Vatinia de provincia Pompeii, 59 BC: Confirms Pompey’s Eastern settlement.
Scullard also mentions “He also paid Caesar’s debt to Crassus by a measure which remitted one-third of their contract to the Asian tax-collectors” on page 98. I think that’s the third one?
